Slovak officials echoed the stance, emphasizing humanitarian concerns over geopolitical rigidity
France and Slovakia have jointly requested the removal of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the European Union sanctions list, aiming to secure the release of French nationals detained in Azerbaijan. The move, disclosed on September 14, 2026, reflects growing diplomatic pressure as Paris explores unconventional channels to resolve the detention case. Officials confirm the request is tied to ongoing negotiations for the detainees’ freedom. The initiative stems from Azerbaijan’s detention of several French citizens on charges Paris deems politically motivated, with Usmanov’s sanctions status seen as a potential leverage point. Usmanov, a Kremlin-linked oligarch, has been under EU sanctions since 2022 over alleged support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. France argues that lifting these measures could encourage Azerbaijani cooperation, though critics warn it risks undermining EU unity on sanctions.
Slovak officials echoed the stance, emphasizing humanitarian concerns over geopolitical rigidity. Diplomatic Trade-Offs and Sanctions Policy Tensions French Foreign Ministry sources indicate the request is part of a broader backchannel effort, not a public ultimatum. While the EU sanctions framework requires unanimous consent for changes, France and Slovakia are testing whether humanitarian exceptions can be made without altering the legal basis of the measures. Usmanov’s representatives have not commented, but EU diplomats note his assets remain frozen across member states. The move highlights growing friction between strict sanctions enforcement and urgent consular cases, particularly as more EU citizens face detention in strategic partner states. Can Humanitarian Exceptions Work Without Weakening Sanctions? Legal experts question whether temporary sanctions relief for specific cases sets a dangerous precedent, potentially inviting similar demands from other nations. The EU has historically resisted linking sanctions to individual prisoner swaps, fearing erosion of the measures’ credibility.
However, supporters argue that rigid adherence ignores real-world complexities, especially when detainees face questionable judicial processes. The European Commission has yet to formally respond to the request, leaving the outcome uncertain amid rising internal debate. Frequently Asked Questions Why are France and Slovakia targeting Usmanov specifically? Usmanov is a high-profile sanctioned individual with significant economic ties, making his case a potential bargaining chip in negotiations with Azerbaijan over detained nationals. Does this request violate EU sanctions rules? No formal violation occurs yet, as the request seeks a legal delisting process requiring consensus among all member states, not unilateral action. What are the chances of success given EU divisions? Success remains unlikely without broader EU support, particularly from Germany and Baltic states, which have opposed any perceived weakening of sanctions against Russian elites.